The aftermath for civilians in the Antietam area was marked by displacement and suffering.

The battle left the region devastated, with homes, farms, and infrastructure damaged or destroyed. Many residents were forced to flee their homes during the fighting, and those who remained faced the horrors of battlefield conditions, including the sight of wounded soldiers and the disruption of daily life. Additionally, the local economy suffered as resources were depleted, and the scars of conflict lingered, creating a challenging environment for the community in the wake of the battle.